THREE new homes are set to be handed over to a council by a developer.

David Wilson Homes is bulding 35 houses in Abermorddu and will gift three of them to Flintshire Council, under new planning legislation.

Flintshire is the first local authority in North Wales to acquire housing under the new law, which ensures all new developments make provision for affordable housing in areas where it is in high demand.

Cllr Helen Brown, executive member for housing at the council, said: “Many residents in Flintshire are finding it difficult to afford a home of their own, which is why initiatives like this one are essential to help support affordable home ownership and sustain our communities. “It is pleasing that Flintshire Council has led the way in North Wales through the application of the legislation in this way.”

The affordable houses will all be built to Development Quality Requirement standards, which dictate a larger than average footprint for the properties, as well as other exacting standards, including energy efficiency.

The properties will be made available for rent to applicants registered on the county’s Affordable Homeownership Register.

Part of the rental income will be secured for the tenant in the form of a deposit, so they can take their first step on the housing ladder at a later date.

Steve Jackson, sales director at David Wilson Homes, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Flintshire Council to not only offer quality homes to Abermorddu residents, but to also help support education and community facilities within the local area.”